Frequently asked questions:

Q: What new gives the density functional (DF) approach in comparison with long existing and recognized methods?

A: The DF method lets to simulate hydrodynamics of multiphase multicomponent mixtures with taking into account surface tension and phase transitions. At the same time it do not require any a priory phase boundary geometry to be prescribed and do not use other traditional “tricks”. During the simulation process the moving of phase boundaries, which may have arbitrary topological structure, are traced. The method does not have any fundamental constraints on the number of phases or components.

Q: How does method takes into account surface tension and phase transitions?

A: This becomes possible as hydrodynamic and thermodynamic phenomena are made coupled, which is achieved by the introduction into the Helmholz energy or into the entropy the square component density gradient terms. As a result the static tension tensor are made containing the terms with chemical potentials. Those terms lets to appear the surface tension and the phase transitions.

Q: How difficult the method is from the computational point of view?

A: Certainly, the method is more computer time consuming than Navier-Stokes equations. But computational difficulties are well rewarded with simplicity of problem formulation. Indeed, there is no need at all in prescribing of interfacial surfaces. Moreover, method is indifferent to the complexity of the spatial geometry of the considered phases.